Hotels in Zambia

Hotels in Zambia: your guide to where to stay

How much does a hotel in Zambia cost?

The price depends on the standard, the city and the dates. The table shows indicative nightly rates for a double room. The cheapest month is usually May, while April is the priciest. Safari lodges tend to be either very affordable or very luxurious. Booking ahead usually brings better rates.

Indicative rates, updated periodically. For exact prices and availability, select your dates in the search above.

Where to stay in Zambia: most popular cities

Most stays are concentrated in Lusaka and in Livingstone by Victoria Falls. These are the destinations travellers choose most often:

• Lusaka. The capital and the widest choice of hotels, from hostels to 5-star properties. The main air hub and a business base.
• Livingstone. The town by Victoria Falls. The most hotels and lodges geared to tourists.
• Siavonga. A resort on Lake Kariba in the south. Hotels and lodges with views over the water.
• Mfuwe. The gateway to South Luangwa National Park. Lodges and camps at the heart of the safari.
• Ndola and Kitwe. Cities of the Copperbelt mining region. A business base with chain hotels.

Nightly rates vary between cities. Here are indicative prices per night for a double room:

What to see in Zambia

Zambia combines wildlife, rivers and waterfalls, so a trip revolves around the parks and safari.

• Victoria Falls. One of the most impressive waterfalls in the world, on the UNESCO list. Best seen from Livingstone.
• National parks. South Luangwa is famed for walking safaris, while Kafue is the largest and oldest. Over 20 parks across the country.
• Lake Tanganyika. One of the deepest lakes in the world, popular for diving and snorkelling.
• Kalambo Falls. Twice the height of Victoria Falls and less known. Views over the Great Rift Valley.
• Lusaka. An authentic, cosmopolitan capital. A good place to see the country everyday life.

How much does a trip to Zambia cost

Beyond the room, daily costs are low. A daily grocery shop costs about 75-85 ZMW. The currency is the Zambian kwacha, but US dollars are also accepted in tourism. Major hotels and tour companies take cards, and ATMs are easy to find in towns. Cash is handy at markets and for taxis.

When is the best time to visit Zambia

The best time for safari is the dry season from May to October, when animals gather at the water. It is also the high season, so prices and availability can be less favourable. May tends to be the cheapest in the price data, while April is the most expensive. Local festivals include N'cwala in February, Kuomboka in April and Kusefya Pangwena in August.

Getting to and around Zambia

The two main airports are Lusaka International and Livingstone, which receives flights from Johannesburg, London and Dubai among others. Low-cost domestic flights are run by Proflight, linking Lusaka with Livingstone and Mfuwe. The TAZARA train runs to Tanzania but is slow. Buses link Lusaka with Livingstone, the Copperbelt and Chipata. In the cities the only public transport is taxis, where the fare is agreed before the ride. Driving is on the left. Many travellers from western countries get a visa at the airport, but it is worth confirming the rules with the embassy.

Example hotels in Zambia

A few recognisable properties from different cities for reference:

• Radisson Blu Hotel, Lusaka and Stayeasy Lusaka in the capital (central, upper tier, from approx. K 2,000).
• Jollyboys Backpackers in Livingstone, close to Victoria Falls (budget, from approx. K 600).
• Protea Hotel by Marriott Ndola and Lake Kariba Inns in Siavonga (from approx. K 1,450).